prEN 18183

Pumps - Specification for Gland Packings manufactured from Yarns and Ribbons

This document provides a method of describing the materials, impregnates and lubricants for various types of yarn and ribbon based packings intended for use as gland seals in mechanical equipment such as pumps, mixers, etc. It does not include similar products intended for other duties such as thermal insulation.
Guidance is also given regarding dimensional and physical quality aspects of the packings and requirements for packaging and marking.
Tests are specified for the determination of lubricant content, size and mass.
NOTE 1   The information supplied by the purchaser at the time of enquiry and/or order is given in Annex B.
NOTE 2   All packings are free from introduced asbestos fibres in conformance with Annex XVII of REACH.

Pumpen - Spezifikation für Stopfbuchspackungen gefertigt aus Garnen und Bändern

Dieses Dokument stellt eine Methode zur Beschreibung der Werkstoffe sowie der Imprägnier- und Schmierstoffe für verschiedene Arten von Packungen auf Garn- und Bandbasis bereit, die zur Verwendung als Stopfbuchsen in mechanischen Ausrüstungen wie Pumpen, Mischern usw. bestimmt sind. Ähnliche Produkte, die für andere Zwecke, z. B. zur thermischen Isolation, bestimmt sind, sind nicht eingeschlossen.
Es werden auch Leitlinien im Hinblick auf die Maße und die physikalischen Qualitätsaspekte der Packungen sowie Anforderungen an die Packung und Kennzeichnung gegeben.
Es werden Prüfungen zur Ermittlung des Schmierstoffgehalts, der Größe und des Gewichts festgelegt.
ANMERKUNG 1   Die vom Käufer zum Zeitpunkt der Anfrage bzw. Bestellung übermittelten Angaben sind in Anhang B aufgeführt.
ANMERKUNG 2   Alle Packungen sind frei von eingebrachten Asbestfasern nach Anhang XVII der REACH-Verordnung.

Pompes - Spécifications pour les garnitures de presse-étoupe fabriquées en fil et ruban

Le présent document fournit une méthode décrivant les matériaux, des imprégnations et des lubrifiants pour divers types de garnitures à base de fils et de rubans destinés à être utilisés comme joints de presse-étoupe dans des équipements mécaniques tels que les pompes, les mélangeurs, etc. Il n'inclut pas les produits similaires destinés à d'autres usages tels que l'isolation thermique.
Des lignes directrices sont également données concernant les aspects dimensionnels et la qualité physique des garnitures, ainsi que les exigences en matière d'emballage et de marquage.
Des essais sont spécifiés pour la détermination de la teneur, de la taille et de la masse du lubrifiant.
NOTE 1   Les informations fournies par l’acheteur au moment de la demande et/ou de la commande figurent à l’Annexe B.
NOTE 2   Toutes les garnitures sont exemptes de fibres d’amiante introduites, conformément à l’Annexe XVII de REACH.

Črpalke - Specifikacija za tesnila iz preje in trakov

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 08-Oct-2026
• ICS: 21.140 - Seals, glands
• ICS: 23.080 - Pumps
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 197 - Pumps
• Current Stage: 4060 - Closure of enquiry - Enquiry
• Start Date: 03-Jul-2025
• Due Date: 14-Nov-2024
• Completion Date: 03-Jul-2025
• Ref Project: oSIST prEN 18183:2025 - Pumps - Specification for Gland Packings manufactured from Yarns and Ribbons

Overview

prEN 18183:2025 is a European standard developed by CEN Technical Committee 197, focusing on specifications for gland packings manufactured from yarns and ribbons. This standard provides a comprehensive method to describe materials, impregnates, and lubricants used in gland packings designed for sealing in mechanical equipment such as pumps, mixers, and similar machinery. It excludes packings intended for applications like thermal insulation.

Key aspects covered include dimensional and physical quality criteria, packaging and marking requirements, and tests for lubricant content, size, and mass. Importantly, all packings conform to regulations prohibiting asbestos fibers, in line with Annex XVII of REACH.

Key Topics

• Material Identification: The standard classifies yarns into groups such as natural fibers (e.g., ramie, cotton), synthetic fibers (e.g., aramid, PTFE), and carbonaceous fibers (e.g., graphite, carbon). Each packing is described by a unique coding system detailing yarn composition, impregnation, lubricants, reinforcement, density, and presence of elastomeric cores.

• Coding System: A structured alphanumeric code defines the yarn group/type, minimum yarn content, type and amount of impregnant and lubricant, reinforcement, and density of the packing. This enables clear product identification and selection based on performance requirements.

• Physical Quality and Dimensions: Packings must exhibit firm yet flexible construction with uniform cross-section and no defects such as twisted yarns or color inconsistencies. Cross-sectional tolerances are specified to ensure a proper fit in gland seals.

• Testing and Performance Criteria:

  • Lubricant content, size, and mass are to be tested per defined methods.
  • Yarn tensile strength and elongation at break are standardized to ensure durability.
  • Shrinkage limits of yarns under heat treatment are established.
  • Creep resistance tests at room temperature define the packing’s capacity to maintain sealing under prolonged stress.
  • Specific tests for PTFE and expanded graphite packings guarantee chemical safety and material purity, including compliance with restrictions on harmful substances like PFOA and PFOS.

• Packaging and Marking: Packings are delivered coiled and sealed to prevent contamination and damage. Clear marking includes manufacturer details, packing code referencing the standard, size, and manufacture date. Safety and regulatory labels are incorporated where applicable.

Applications

This standard applies primarily to mechanical equipment where reliable sealing is critical, such as:

• Pumps (centrifugal, rotary)
• Mixers and agitators in industrial processes
• Valves and rotary equipment requiring gland seals

The standard benefits industries needing high-performance sealing solutions resistant to fluids, temperature changes, and mechanical wear. Typical sectors include chemical processing, water treatment, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and food processing where compliance with hygiene and safety standards is critical.

Related Standards

• ISO 18067 – Textiles: Measurement of shrinkage in synthetic filament yarns, relevant for assessing yarn stability in packings.
• FSA/ESA Compression Packings Technical Manual – Provides terminology and extended technical guidance for compression packing design and application.
• Various ASTM standards cited for testing expanded graphite packings (e.g., ASTM 5373, ASTM C561, ASTM D4239).

Practical Value

By adhering to prEN 18183:2025, manufacturers and end-users achieve:

• Consistent quality and performance of yarn and ribbon-based gland packings
• Clear communication through a standardized coding system facilitating correct packing selection
• Assurance of chemical safety and compliance with environmental regulations (e.g., asbestos-free, REACH)
• Reliable sealing performance under demanding mechanical and thermal conditions
• Improved safety with proper packaging, marking, and handling instructions

This standard is essential for designing, specifying, and procuring gland packings that provide optimal sealing, operational longevity, and regulatory compliance in industrial equipment.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2025
Črpalke - Specifikacija za tesnila iz preje in trakov
Pumps - Specification for Gland Packings manufactured from Yarns and Ribbons
Pumpen - Spezifikation für Stopfbuchspackungen gefertigt aus Garnen und Bändern
Pompes - Spécifications pour les garnitures de presse-étoupe fabriquées en fil et ruban
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 18183
ICS:
21.140 Tesnilke, mašilke Seals, glands
23.080 Črpalke Pumps
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
April 2025
ICS 23.080
English Version
Pumps - Specification for Gland Packings manufactured
from Yarns and Ribbons
Pompes - Spécifications pour les garnitures de presse- Pumpen - Spezifikation für Stopfbuchspackungen
étoupe fabriquées en fil et ruban gefertigt aus Garnen und Bändern
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 197.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 18183:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Packing types . 5
4.1 Description . 5
4.2 Coding system . 7
4.3 Coding system example . 8
4.4 Elastomeric cored packings . 8
5 Packing construction . 8
6 Shape and cross-section . 8
7 Size . 8
8 Physical quality. 9
9 Packaging . 9
10 Marking . 9
11 Quality of materials . 9
11.1 Yarns . 9
11.1.1 Tensile Strength and Elongation at Break . 9
11.1.2 Shrinkage . 10
11.2 Packings . 11
11.2.1 Creep Resistance . 11
11.2.2 PTFE Packings (Group 5) . 12
11.2.3 Expanded Graphite Packings (Group 6D) . 12
Annex A (normative) Methods of test . 13
Annex B (normative) Information to be supplied by the purchaser . 16
Bibliography . 17

European foreword
This document (prEN 18183:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 197 “Pumps”,
the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
Introduction
This document was originally drafted by a joint Technical Task Force of the Packings Division of the
European Sealing Association (ESA) and the Compression Packing Division of the Fluid Sealing
Association and is approved by both organisations as a suitable reference for the packing types described.
Certain of the packings contain polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) which, when heated to elevated
temperatures, can produce fumes which give unpleasant effects if inhaled. Care should be taken to avoid
contamination of tobacco products with PTFE.
1 Scope
This document provides a method of describing the materials, impregnates and lubricants for various
types of yarn and ribbon based packings intended for use as gland seals in mechanical equipment such
as pumps, mixers, etc. It does not include similar products intended for other duties such as thermal
insulation.
Guidance is also given regarding dimensional and physical quality aspects of the packings and
requirements for packaging and marking.
Tests are specified for the determination of lubricant content, size and mass.
NOTE 1 The information supplied by the purchaser at the time of enquiry and/or order is given in Annex B.
NOTE 2 All packings are free from introduced asbestos fibres in conformance with Annex XVII of REACH.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 18067, Textiles — Synthetic filament yarns — Determination of shrinkage in dry-hot air (after
treatment)
FSA/ESA, Publication ‘Compression Packings Technical Manual - 4th Edition
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in the Glossary of Terms in the
th
FSA/ESA Compression Packing Technical Manual 4 Edition, 2018, apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
4 Packing types
4.1 Description
Each packing shall be described by a unique series of codes which define the following attributes:
1. The generic yarn Group or Groups,
2. The specific yarns within the Group,
3. The minimum weight of each yarn as a percentage of the total weight of the packing,
4. The minimum total weight of yarns as a percentage of the total weight of the packing,
5. The type of impregnation (where used),
6. The amount of impregnant percentage by weight,
7. The type of lubricating oil or grease (where used),
8. The amount of lubricant percentage by weight,
9. The type of reinforcement (where used),
10. The allowable density range in g/cm ,
11. Whether the packing has an elastomeric core.
Table 1 indicates the packing types.
Table 1 — Packing types
Group Yarn
Yarn group Yarn Type
number code
A Ramie
B Cotton
1 Natural C Flax
D Hemp
E Micaceous
2 Glass A Glass
3 Ceramic A Ceramic
A Para aramid
B Meta aramid
C Acrylic
D Polyimide
4 Synthetic
E Novoloid
Polyphenylene Sulfide
F
(PPS)
Polybenzimidazole
G
(PBI)
A PTFE Filament
B ePTFE
5 PFTE C ePTFE/Graphite
D ePTFE/Graphite/Oil
E ePTFE/Talc/Oil
A Preox. PAN
B Carbon
6 Carbonaceous
C Graphite
D Expanded graphite
Table 2 indicates the impregnant and lubricant types.
Table 2 — Impregnant and Lubricant Types
Impregnant or Lubricant Code
None X
PTFE P
Mineral grease/oil L
Silicone grease/oil S
Graphite G
Mica M
Table 3 indicates the reinforcement types.
Table 3 — Reinforcement Types
Impregnant or Lubricant Code
None Y
Glass Gl
Cotton Co
Carbon Ca
PTFE filament P
Stainless steel SS
Ni/Cr NC
4.2 Coding system
Each packing description shall consist of a sequence of codes separated by semi-colons as follows:
1. Yarn group, yarn code as shown in Table 1, (e.g. 5A),
2. Minimum total yarn content by weight %.
Where more than one yarn is present the details for each yarn should be followed by its percentage
by weight of the total packing and the details for each yarn shall be separated by a point sign
(e.g. 5C50.4A40),
3. Impregnant type as indicated in Table 2 and minimum % by weight (e.g. P10),
4. Lubricant type as indicated in Table 2 and minimum % by weight when determined by the method
specified in A.1 (e.g. S15),
5. Reinforcement type as indicated in Table 3 (e.g. Gl),
6. Density range of finished packing when determined by the method specified in A.3
(e.g. 1.6/1.9 g/cm ).
Where the yarn and/or lubricant content of the packing varies depending on the cross-section size, the
values quoted should be for the size for which these values are lowest.
4.3 Coding system example
A packing coded ‘5C50.4A40;P10;X;Y;1.6/1.9’ describes a packing manufactured from a combination of
50 % ePTFE/graphite and 40 % Para –Aramid yarns (i.e. a minimum total yarn content of 90 %)
impregnated with a minimum of 10 % PTFE impregnation and no additional lubricant or reinforcement
-1
having a finished density between 1.6 and 1.9 g.cm .
4.4 Elastomeric cored packings
Packings of any of the types can also be manufactured with an elastomeric core of circular, square or
rectangular cross-section.
The cross-sectional area of such cores shall not exceed 50% of the packing cross-sectional area.
Where the packing contains an elastomeric core the packing code shall be as specified in 4.2 with the
addition of the letter E (e.g. 5C;70;P10;X;Y;1.6/1.9;E).
5 Packing construction
All packing types except those in expanded graphite and glass or ceramic shall be manufactured using
the minimum number of tracks indicated in Table 4.
Table 4 — Construction
Nominal cross-section Minimum Number of Tracks
[mm]
From 3.0 up to and inc. 6.4 2
Above 6.4 up to and inc. 12.7 3
Above 12.7 4
6 Shape and cross-section
The packing shall be provided in length form unless requested as dye-formed or cut rings.
The packing shall have a nominal square cross-section unless otherwise specified.
7 Size
The cross-section size of the packing when determined in accordance with the procedure
...